EHR Yes or No? Yesterdays Choice is Today’s Mandate
By Beverly Hakola

A few years ago when rumors of an EHR mandate started to circulate, the concerned discussions among physicians began. Many larger organizations were quick to jump on board and became early adopters of EHR, but what about small physician based practices? Many of these practices did not have the resources necessary for such a large overhaul of the way they practice medicine. The cost of implementing an EHR system was a major stumbling block for some practices. If a physician was part of an MSO or an IPA that was an early adopter, they may have started the process of implementing an EHR system with the support of their organizations. Though, until the recent signing of the new economic stimulus package that mandated EHR, most physician offices had not started down the EHR implementation highway.

Although the initial cost of implementing an EHR system inhibited some physicians from moving forward, the benefits of such a system will help offset the cost when implemented effectively. Once a practice chose an EHR to install, the data collection process is quick to follow. During this phase workflow analysis are usually done from patient intake to dropping the bill. Most practices at this time will identify how workflows can be designed to reduce staffing costs and increase process effectiveness. When implementation has been completed the real ROI for the physicians practice begins. Some reduced cost benefits that may increase revenue generation include: decreased days of claims AR, accuracy of coding (level), electronic note vs. transcription, receiving timely authorizations for procedures, etc.

Mandated “meaningful use” or not, an EHR solution will make a physicians life easier. No more lost paper charts, that are found after the patient has already been seen, that contain incomplete notes, and non legible documentation of patients’ past and current medical history, an EHR system pulls it all together. The scheduling, clinic notes, treatment plans, medications, labs, billing, and other important statistics all combine into an electronic format. Electronic records now enable shared medical records among all health care entities, including everything from insurance carriers to hospitals. This sharing allows patients to be fully engaged in their healthcare, and providers to have real-time access to all medical information and tools that help ensure the quality and safety of their patient’s care. Implementing an EHR system should be about consistency and quality of care, not about mandated meaningful use requirements. All physicians should jump on board the EHR implementation highway for the benefit their patients. Effectively using an EHR system can result in considerable improvements to patient care and safety.

The new stimulus package is geared toward making physicians compliant with an EHR system. Beginning in January 2011 the new federal incentive program allows physicians the opportunity to receive incentive payments for greater than $40.000, but if an EHR system is not implemented by 2016, physicians could face penalties. By meeting the meaningful use mandate, physicians will save themselves from Medicaid and Medicare penalties. Those physicians who wish to establish themselves as meaningful users in order to begin receiving payments by Year One will need to satisfy the following criteria: use of a certified EHR technology, connection for electronic exchange of information, and submittal of quality measures as specified by HHS. Although, being a meaningful user does not guarantee payment of stimulus funds.

What is the ultimate goal of meaning use? The ultimate stated goal is that the meaningful use of an EHR is to enable significant and measurable improvements in population health through a transformed healthcare delivery system.

If you need more information on how you can meet the meaningful use criteria contact VCS at 610.444.1233 or vcs@getvitalized.com.